HC Deb 17 December 1981 vol 15 cc196-7W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the status of the direct reduction plants at Hunterston.

Mr. Wakeham

The direct reduction plants at Hunterston have not been commissioned. I understand from BSC that it is unlikely that they will be brought into operation in the foreseeable future, as the production of iron by this process would not now be competitive with alternative methods.